By a curious fatality there has never, since these Royal coronets were differentiated, been any male descendant of an English sovereign more remotely related than a nephew, with the exception of the Dukes of Cumberland. Their succession to the throne of Hanover renders them useless as a precedent, inasmuch as their right to arms and coronet must be derived from Hanover and its laws, and not {365} from this country. The Princess Frederica of Hanover, however, uses an English coronet and the Royal Arms of England, presumably preferring her status as a princess of this country to whatever _de jure_ Hanoverian status might be claimed. It is much to be wished that a Royal Warrant should be issued to her which would decide the point--at present in doubt--as to what degree of relationship the coronet of the crosses-patée and strawberry leaves is available for, or failing that coronet what the coronet of prince or princess of this country might be, he or she not being child, grandchild, or nephew or niece of a sovereign. The unique use of actual coronets in England at the occasion of each coronation ceremony has prevented them becoming (as in so many other countries) mere pictured heraldic details. Consequently the instructions concerning them which are issued prior to each coronation will be of interest. The following is from the _London Gazette_ of October 1, 1901:-- "EARL MARSHAL'S OFFICE, NORFOLK HOUSE, ST. JAMES'S SQUARE, S.W., _October 1, 1901_. "The Earl Marshal's Order concerning the Robes, Coronets, &c., which are to be worn by the Peers at the Coronation of Their Most Sacred Majesties King Edward the Seventh and Queen Alexandra. "These are to give notice to all Peers who attend at the Coronation of Their Majesties, that the robe or mantle of the Peers be of crimson velvet, edged with miniver, the cape furred with miniver pure, and powdered with bars or rows of ermine (_i.e._ narrow pieces of black fur), according to their degree, viz.: "Barons, two rows. "Viscounts, two rows and a half. "Earls, three rows. "Marquesses, three rows and a half. "Dukes, four rows. "The said mantles or robes to be worn over full Court dress, uniform, or regimentals. "The coronets to be of silver-gilt; the caps of crimson velvet turned up with ermine, with a gold tassel on the top; and no jewels or precious stones are to be set or used in the coronets, or counterfeit pearls instead of silver balls. "The coronet of a Baron to have, on the circle or rim, six silver balls at equal distances. "The coronet of a Viscount to have, on the circle, sixteen silver balls. {366} "The coronet of an Earl to have, on the circle, eight silver balls, raised upon points, with gold strawberry leaves between the points.